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The European continent teems with cultural attractions that have stood, in some cases, for thousands of years. The most important monuments in Europe are those that have direct connections to historical events. Some stand tall above some of Europe's most recognized cities, while others remain ambiguous many centuries after their construction.

The Eiffel Tower

Built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower has stood as one of Paris' iconic landmarks since it was completed in 1889. The attraction draws more than 7 million visitors per year. The tower has observation areas on the first and second floors and in the tower, a vantage point that provides a panoramic view of the Paris metro area, a champagne bar and the restored office of the tower's architect and namesake, Gustave Eiffel. Along with being a tourist attraction, the tower is functional: It serves as a relay station for television and radio signals.

The Brandenburg Gate

Berlin's Brandenburg Gate stands in the middle of the city as a testament to peace. Commissioned by Germany's Friedrich Wilhelm II, the gate was completed in 1791. After World War II, the gate became a part of the Berlin Wall, which separated Allied-controlled West Berlin from Communist-controlled East Berlin, until the wall came down in 1989. During the Cold War, the wall was a symbol of the strained relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union. Two American presidents -- John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan -- gave famous speeches in front of the gate.

The Acropolis

The Acropolis towers over Athens, the capital of Greece, and has done so for centuries. Greeks began building on the site centuries before the birth of Christ, and the ruins tourists see at the Acropolis today are from structures that have stood since the fifth century B.C. The Acropolis is a series of monuments anchored by the Parthenon, the temple built to honor the Greek goddess Athena. The Theater of Dionysus was one of the earliest outdoor theaters, and Propylea serves as the entrance to the Acropolis.

Stonehenge

Monuments don't get much more vague than Stonehenge, in southern England. Researchers are not certain who or what built the strange, circular stone formation, which dates to 3,100 B.C. The formation was built in three stages, and there are as many theories about why it was built as there are rocks in the formation. Those theories range from human sacrifice to a calendar.

The Trevi Fountain

In a city as steeped in history as Rome, the Trevi Fountain stands out. It was commissioned by Augustus as the junction for the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which moved water around during the Roman Empire. The fountain was constructed in the baroque style, and water flows from several points of the fountain into a large pool that has become a place for Romans and tourists to gather and socialize. Legend has it that if you flip a coin over your shoulder into the fountain, you will one day return to Rome. The fountain has been immortalized in many films, including the Italian masterpiece "La Dolce Vita."

Trafalgar Square

Construction began on Trafalgar Square in London in the 1800s as an observation tower and courtyard for the nearby National Gallery. Since then, the square has evolved as a monument, with the construction of Nelson's Column, the bronze lions and the fountains that anchor the middle of the square. The city of London eliminated a road and added modern features in 2003, including the expansion of the public courtyard, which included the opening of a new café.

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About the Author

M.C. Postins has been a writer and editor since 1995. His work has appeared in newspapers, magazines and websites across the country, such as the "Charlotte Sun-Herald" and the "Denton Record-Chronicle." He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University.

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